KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 28 – ASEAN member states must strengthen internal unity, deepen practical defence cooperation, and engage in candid dialogue to counter emerging regional security threats and growing risks to food and energy security.
Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. issued the call during his opening address at the 20th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) in Cebu, the Philippines, on Wednesday, October 28, 2026.
Outlining three core priorities—ASEAN unity, practical cooperation, and frank dialogue—Teodoro emphasized that internal stability and bloc unity remain vital for Southeast Asia to maintain effective cooperation amid global geopolitical fragmentation.
He urged member nations to uphold ASEAN centrality and adhere strictly to international principles, including mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the peaceful resolution of territorial disputes without resorting to the threat or use of force.
“And where such differences exist, including in the South China Sea, we shall settle them through peaceful and legal means,” Teodoro stated, according to an official release by the ASEAN Committee on Media Affairs and Strategic Communications.
Teodoro highlighted that practical cooperation framework mechanisms under the ADMM and the ADMM-Plus are essential to fostering mutual trust among regional defence establishments while yielding tangible security benefits for the public.
He pointed to progress made in joint maritime security, the protection of critical subsea/underwater infrastructure, and regional defence personnel exchanges.
Furthermore, he urged expanded cross-border collaboration to shield food and energy supply chains against disruptions caused by extra-regional conflicts and impending severe climate events.
“This initiative gains in importance as Southeast Asia braces for a super El Niño, which will likewise affect food, water, electricity, and connectivity in our respective countries,” Teodoro warned.
He expressed confidence that candid bilateral and sideline discussions held in an atmosphere of trust would allow member nations to build deeper mutual understanding and address shared security challenges effectively.
The Philippines is hosting the 20th ADMM and the 13th ADMM-Plus meetings in Cebu on October 28–29, 2026, as part of its 2026 ASEAN Chairmanship duties.
Core Meeting Priorities, Climate Resilience, and ADMM-Plus Framework
Key thematic pillars, regional threat assessments, and conference details include:
- Three Strategic Pillars: The meeting focuses on ASEAN unity, practical security cooperation, and candid diplomatic dialogue among member defence leaders.
- South China Sea & Maritime Security: Emphasis was placed on settling maritime and territorial disputes through peaceful and legal avenues, alongside joint safeguards for critical underwater infrastructure.
- Super El Niño & Resource Risks: Defense chiefs were urged to address food, water, electricity, and connectivity threats posed by severe climate phenomena and external conflicts.
- ASEAN Chairmanship Event: The Philippines hosts the 20th ADMM and 13th ADMM-Plus from October 28 to 29 in Cebu under its 2026 ASEAN Chairmanship.
–NMT
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